Cape Royal Trail

Cape Royal Trail is a 0.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near North Rim, AZ that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

0.9 miles589 feetOut & Back

dogs on leash

wheelchair friendly

kid friendly

hiking

nature trips

walking

forest

views

wild flowers

wildlife

no dogs

Cape Royal is a long peninsula extending from the North Rim out over the Grand Canyon. It offers a phenomenal view, perhaps the most sweeping view of any Grand Canyon vista. Take the short stroll to the end of the cape and to the promontory on the window. It's an easy walk less than a mile RT on a flat, paved trail providing views of the canyon, Angels Window, and the Colorado River. Markers along the trail interpret the area's natural history. Trail begins at the southeast side of the Cape Royal parking area. With seemingly unlimited vistas to the east and west, it is popular for both sunrise and sunset. The sweeping turn of the Colorado River at the Unkar Delta is framed through the natural arch of Angels Window. Look for the Desert View Watchtower across the canyon on the South Rim.
Angels Window can be viewed from Angels Window Overlook at the Cliff Springs Trailhead. The trailhead parking area is at the end of the paved Cape Royal Road, which circles northeast and then south from the main road leading to North Rim VC and lodge.

It was a spectacular day on the North Rim, and the scenery was awesome. After a long drive to the trailhead parking area, the trail was extremely flat and short, but the views along the way gave us reasons to take our time and ponder the vastness and beauty of the Grand Canyon. Also make sure you take in the view of the window from the rim as you don't realize the window is right below you when you walk out onto the promontory. Highly recommend this just for the views (also great for picnics).